Drosophila species, specifically Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen, 1830) and Drosophila simulans (Sturtevant, 1919), are one of the most economically damaging pests in red berry production systems, particularly strawberry crops. Insect pests have traditionally been controlled through the application of chemical insecticides, which can severely damage the environment and pose serious risks to human health. An environmentally friendly alternative for controlling and managing pests is biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as a possible biological control agent. This study evaluated the virulence of four indigenous Moroccan EPN strains, Steinernema feltiae (SF-MOR9, SF-MOR10) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HB-MOR1, HB-MOR2) under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions against third instar larvae of D. melanogaster and D. simulans. Bioassays examined the effects of abiotic factors: two temperatures (25 °C and 28 °C), three photoperiods (light, obscurity, and 12:12 h L/O), three doses of EPNs (25, 50, 100 IJs cm-²), and two substrate sources (soil and fruit). Nematode efficacy varied significantly with temperature, photoperiod, species, and dose. H. bacteriophora strains, particularly HB-MOR2, achieved consistent mortality rates exceeding 97 % under optimal conditions. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous Moroccan EPNs, especially H. bacteriophora, as sustainable biological control agents for integrated pest management (IPM) of Drosophila species in strawberry agroecosystems
{"title":"Potential of moroccan entomopathogenic nematodes in controlling polyphagous fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen, 1830) and D. simulans (Sturtevant, 1919), under variable abiotic conditions in strawberry agroecosystems","authors":"Najwa Seddiqi Kallali , Nabila El Alami , Salah-Eddine Laasli , Samake Broulaye , Youssef Benseddik , Khalid Khfif , Abdelmalek Boutaleb-Joutei , Abderrahman Ouijja , Fouad Mokrini , Rachid Lahlali","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Drosophila</em> species, specifically <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em> (Meigen, 1830) and <em>Drosophila simulans</em> (Sturtevant<em>,</em> 1919), are one of the most economically damaging pests in red berry production systems, particularly strawberry crops. Insect pests have traditionally been controlled through the application of chemical insecticides, which can severely damage the environment and pose serious risks to human health. An environmentally friendly alternative for controlling and managing pests is biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as a possible biological control agent. This study evaluated the virulence of four indigenous Moroccan EPN strains, <em>Steinernema feltiae</em> (SF-MOR9, SF-MOR10) and <em>Heterorhabditis bacteriophora</em> (HB-MOR1, HB-MOR2) under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions against third instar larvae of <em>D. melanogaster</em> and <em>D. simulans</em>. Bioassays examined the effects of abiotic factors: two temperatures (25 °C and 28 °C), three photoperiods (light, obscurity, and 12:12 h L/O), three doses of EPNs (25, 50, 100 IJs cm<sup>-</sup>²), and two substrate sources (soil and fruit). Nematode efficacy varied significantly with temperature, photoperiod, species, and dose. <em>H. bacteriophora</em> strains, particularly HB-MOR2, achieved consistent mortality rates exceeding 97 % under optimal conditions. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous Moroccan EPNs, especially <em>H. bacteriophora,</em> as sustainable biological control agents for integrated pest management (IPM) of <em>Drosophila</em> species in strawberry agroecosystems</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145019236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The rice leaf folder (RLF) is one of the major insect pests of rice, causing significant yield losses and management of this pests mostly depends on synthetic insecticide applications, which poses environmental and health hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected botanical insecticides compared to a synthetic insecticide for managing RLF populations under both laboratory and in planta conditions. The study employed a Complete Randomized Design with three replications and eight treatments: evaluating six botanicals including neem oil (2.50 % concentration) and mahogany seed kernel powder (10 % concentration), comparing with one synthetic insecticide Curtap and one untreated control. Results indicated that the synthetic insecticide ‘Curtap’ achieved the highest larval mortality (93.33 %) under both conditions, followed closely by neem oil (90.00 % in laboratory and 83.33 % in planta), indicating its potential as an effective botanical insecticide at 72 h after treatment. Mahogany seed kernel powder also exhibited significant efficacy, causing 70.00 % and 66.67 % mortality in laboratory and in planta conditions, respectively. While other botanicals demonstrated comparatively lower efficacy. Both neem oil and Curtap significantly reduced larval weight (0.63 mg and 0.38 mg) and adult longevity (4.33 days and 3.67 days), while untreated controls exhibited the longest longevity (11.33 days), indicating their inhibitory impact on RLF growth, development, feeding behavior and reproductive suppression. The F1 adult emergence was completely inhibited by Curtap, while neem oil and mahogany seed kernel powder significantly reduced F1 emergence to 1.33 adults, exhibiting their potential to disrupt RLF reproduction. Present findings highlight the potential of neem oil followed by mahogany seed kernel powder, as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for RLF management. Integrating these botanicals into insect pest management strategies, specifically for RLF, could reduce pesticide dependency while ensuring sustainable rice production.
{"title":"Management of rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée) in Bangladesh: Evaluating the pesticidal efficacy of some botanicals an eco-friendly alternative","authors":"Tapon Kumar Roy , Md. Asib Biswas , S.M.M. Shahriar Tonmoy , Abu Nayeem , Md Mosaddek Hossain , Anamika Sannal","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rice leaf folder (RLF) is one of the major insect pests of rice, causing significant yield losses and management of this pests mostly depends on synthetic insecticide applications, which poses environmental and health hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected botanical insecticides compared to a synthetic insecticide for managing RLF populations under both laboratory and in planta conditions. The study employed a Complete Randomized Design with three replications and eight treatments: evaluating six botanicals including neem oil (2.50 % concentration) and mahogany seed kernel powder (10 % concentration), comparing with one synthetic insecticide Curtap and one untreated control. Results indicated that the synthetic insecticide ‘Curtap’ achieved the highest larval mortality (93.33 %) under both conditions, followed closely by neem oil (90.00 % in laboratory and 83.33 % in planta), indicating its potential as an effective botanical insecticide at 72 h after treatment. Mahogany seed kernel powder also exhibited significant efficacy, causing 70.00 % and 66.67 % mortality in laboratory and in planta conditions, respectively. While other botanicals demonstrated comparatively lower efficacy. Both neem oil and Curtap significantly reduced larval weight (0.63 mg and 0.38 mg) and adult longevity (4.33 days and 3.67 days), while untreated controls exhibited the longest longevity (11.33 days), indicating their inhibitory impact on RLF growth, development, feeding behavior and reproductive suppression. The F<sub>1</sub> adult emergence was completely inhibited by Curtap, while neem oil and mahogany seed kernel powder significantly reduced F<sub>1</sub> emergence to 1.33 adults, exhibiting their potential to disrupt RLF reproduction. Present findings highlight the potential of neem oil followed by mahogany seed kernel powder, as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for RLF management. Integrating these botanicals into insect pest management strategies, specifically for RLF, could reduce pesticide dependency while ensuring sustainable rice production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144987922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-26DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100150
Tristan B. Alexander , Margaretta Christita , Rumella Simarmata , Yeni Khairina , Fiqriah Hanum Khumairah , Muhammad Ilyas , Sylvia J.R. Lekatompessy , Karmila Parakkasi , Hasanuddin Hasanuddin , Mukrimin Mukrimin
Rubber, a global industrial commodity, continues to increase in demand on the world market. However, the rubber industry faces significant challenges due to pathogen attacks, particularly in the roots and leaves of the rubber tree, leading to reduced productivity and affecting the supply of raw rubber materials. Several types of pathogenic fungi have been studied as causes of disease in rubber plants. This research presents the first report of pestalotioid fungus Truncatella angustata causing leaf fall disease on rubber plants in Indonesia and the inhibition of the fungus by Trichoderma spp. in vitro. In this study, T. angustata was isolated from symptomatic leaves suspected of leaf fall disease on rubber plantations in Jambi Province, Indonesia. This research also investigated the characteristics and mechanisms of inhibition of T. angustata by Trichoderma asperellum isolated from soil at the exact rubber plantation location. As a comparison, Trichoderma koningiopsis from our laboratory collection was used. The investigation results show that the inhibition mechanism is through entanglement. Hence, T. asperellum showed an inhibitory ability of 76.61 %, while T. koningiopsis showed 59.65 %.
{"title":"First report of pestalotioid fungus Truncatella angustata isolated from the infected leaf of rubber plant with leaves fall disease, and its inhibition by Trichoderma spp. in vitro","authors":"Tristan B. Alexander , Margaretta Christita , Rumella Simarmata , Yeni Khairina , Fiqriah Hanum Khumairah , Muhammad Ilyas , Sylvia J.R. Lekatompessy , Karmila Parakkasi , Hasanuddin Hasanuddin , Mukrimin Mukrimin","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rubber, a global industrial commodity, continues to increase in demand on the world market. However, the rubber industry faces significant challenges due to pathogen attacks, particularly in the roots and leaves of the rubber tree, leading to reduced productivity and affecting the supply of raw rubber materials. Several types of pathogenic fungi have been studied as causes of disease in rubber plants. This research presents the first report of pestalotioid fungus <em>Truncatella angustata</em> causing leaf fall disease on rubber plants in Indonesia and the inhibition of the fungus by <em>Trichoderma</em> spp. in vitro. In this study, <em>T. angustata</em> was isolated from symptomatic leaves suspected of leaf fall disease on rubber plantations in Jambi Province, Indonesia. This research also investigated the characteristics and mechanisms of inhibition of <em>T. angustata</em> by <em>Trichoderma asperellum</em> isolated from soil at the exact rubber plantation location. As a comparison, <em>Trichoderma koningiopsis</em> from our laboratory collection was used. The investigation results show that the inhibition mechanism is through entanglement. Hence, <em>T. asperellum</em> showed an inhibitory ability of 76.61 %, while <em>T. koningiopsis</em> showed 59.65 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-25DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100151
Zeinab Fathy , Ayat I. El-Kholy , Salem M.M. Hagar , Jihan Muhammad
<div><div>The clover grasshopper, <em>Eyprepocnemis plorans plorans</em> (Orthoptera: Acrididae), has emerged as a persistent pest of maize and other crops in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, necessitating novel and sustainable control methods. Previous studies have shown that grasshopper fecal extracts can disrupt oviposition and impair egg development in various Orthopteran species. As reported by Tanaka et al. (2019), frass extracts from desert locusts significantly reduced hatching rates and caused embryonic malformations. Similarly, Sugahara et al. (2021) demonstrated that fecal chemicals from <em>Locusta migratoria</em> altered nutrient distribution within eggs, leading to developmental failure. These findings provide a strong basis for evaluating the biological impact of frass solutions on <em>E. plorans plorans</em> eggs in our study. Therefore, we aimed to explore the impact of the frass solution on the development of clover grasshopper eggs. The frass solution was prepared by soaking 30 g of dried frass in 300 ml of water overnight and filtering it. The extract was then mixed with sterilized sand containing grasshopper egg pods. The study investigated the inhibitory effects of a conspecific frass solution derived from the dried fecal matter of <em>E. plorans plorans</em> on the development and viability of the species’ eggs under greenhouse of the Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center in Giza, Egypt. Conditions were maintained at 30–35 °C and ∼70 % relative humidity for 28 days, which corresponds to the average hatching period for grasshopper eggs.</div><div>Microscopic, histopathological, and ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) analysis revealed profound structural disruptions in frass-treated eggs: the chorion (eggshell) exhibited thinning, fragmentation, and increased permeability, the vitelline membrane was disrupted, and marked degeneration of the micropylar apparatus, a structure essential for sperm entry and gas exchange, was observed. Embryos within treated eggs were amorphous or undeveloped, displaying sparse, abnormally distributed yolk and deteriorated cytoplasmic structures.</div><div>The frass solution treatment significantly reduced total protein (df = 1, F = 775.84, P < 0.001), carbohydrate (df = 1, F = 768, P < 0.001), and lipid contents (df = 1, F = 144.5, P < 0.001) in clover grasshopper eggs compared to controls. Over the four weeks, significant temporal changes were observed within both control and treated groups for protein (control: df = 3, F = 417.63, P < 0.001; treatment: df = 3, F = 722, P < 0.001), carbohydrate (control: df = 3, F = 1.86, P < 0.001; treatment: df = 1, F = 99.66, P < 0.001), and lipid contents (control: df = 3, F = 188, P < 0.001; treatment: df = 3, F = 44.75, P < 0.001), indicating that the biochemical composition changed significantly over time in both groups. In conclusion, this study contributes important knowledge on the use
三叶草蝗虫（Eyprepocnemis plorans plorans，直翅目：蝗科）已成为埃及达喀利亚省玉米和其他作物的持久害虫，需要新的和可持续的控制方法。先前的研究表明，蚱蜢粪便提取物可以破坏各种直翅目动物的产卵和损害卵的发育。据Tanaka等人（2019）报道，沙漠蝗虫的草提取物显著降低了孵化率，并导致胚胎畸形。同样，Sugahara等人（2021）证明，迁徙蝗粪便中的化学物质会改变卵内的营养分布，导致发育失败。这些研究结果为本研究中草浆溶液对计划蝇卵的生物学影响提供了有力的依据。因此，我们旨在探讨草溶液对三叶草蚱蜢卵发育的影响。将30 g干燥的草液浸泡在300 ml水中过夜并过滤。然后将提取物与含有蚱蜢卵荚的无菌沙混合。在埃及吉萨农业研究中心植物保护研究所的温室中，研究了从干燥的plorans plorans粪便中提取的同种草溶液对plorans plorans卵发育和活力的抑制作用。条件在30-35°C和相对湿度为~ 70 %的条件下保持28天，这相当于蚱蜢卵的平均孵化期。显微镜、组织病理学和超微结构（透射电子显微镜）分析显示，处理过的卵子结构严重破坏：绒毛膜（蛋壳）变薄、碎裂、渗透性增加，卵黄膜被破坏，精子进入和气体交换所必需的微孔器官明显退化。处理过的卵子内的胚胎呈无定形或未发育，卵黄稀疏，分布异常，细胞质结构恶化。与对照相比，草液处理显著降低了三叶草蚱蜢卵的总蛋白质（df = 1, F = 775.84, P <； 0.001）、碳水化合物（df = 1, F = 768, P <； 0.001）和脂质含量（df = 1, F = 144.5, P <； 0.001）。4周,重要的时态变化中观察到蛋白质控制和治疗组(控制:df = 3, F = 417.63, P & lt; 0.001;治疗:df = 3, F = 722, P & lt; 0.001),碳水化合物(控制:df = 3, F = 1.86, P & lt; 0.001;治疗:df = 1, F = 99.66, P & lt; 0.001),和脂质内容(控制:df = 3, F = 188, P & lt; 0.001;治疗:df = 3, F = 44.75, P & lt; 0.001),表明两组生化成分变化明显。本研究为利用草液防治三叶草蚱蜢卵提供了重要的知识。结构畸形和生化变化的检测为可能导致孵化失败的机制提供了有价值的见解。虽然该研究是在受控的实验室条件下进行的，但草提取物作为一种生物防治剂具有很强的潜力，可以防治谷物和蔬菜作物的主要害虫plorans plorans。为了推进这一方法，有必要进行实地试验，以评估草的稳定性，改进应用技术（如土壤淋水或诱饵系统），探索与环境变量（如土壤类型和气候）的相互作用，并评估对非目标生物的影响。这些评估对于支持将基于植物的解决方案整合到强调生态安全性、成本效益和有针对性的有害生物防治的有害生物综合治理（IPM）项目中至关重要。
{"title":"Histopathology, ultrastructure, and biochemical deformities in clover grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans plorans (Orthoptera, Acrididae) eggs after exposure to their parents' frass solution","authors":"Zeinab Fathy , Ayat I. El-Kholy , Salem M.M. Hagar , Jihan Muhammad","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The clover grasshopper, <em>Eyprepocnemis plorans plorans</em> (Orthoptera: Acrididae), has emerged as a persistent pest of maize and other crops in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, necessitating novel and sustainable control methods. Previous studies have shown that grasshopper fecal extracts can disrupt oviposition and impair egg development in various Orthopteran species. As reported by Tanaka et al. (2019), frass extracts from desert locusts significantly reduced hatching rates and caused embryonic malformations. Similarly, Sugahara et al. (2021) demonstrated that fecal chemicals from <em>Locusta migratoria</em> altered nutrient distribution within eggs, leading to developmental failure. These findings provide a strong basis for evaluating the biological impact of frass solutions on <em>E. plorans plorans</em> eggs in our study. Therefore, we aimed to explore the impact of the frass solution on the development of clover grasshopper eggs. The frass solution was prepared by soaking 30 g of dried frass in 300 ml of water overnight and filtering it. The extract was then mixed with sterilized sand containing grasshopper egg pods. The study investigated the inhibitory effects of a conspecific frass solution derived from the dried fecal matter of <em>E. plorans plorans</em> on the development and viability of the species’ eggs under greenhouse of the Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center in Giza, Egypt. Conditions were maintained at 30–35 °C and ∼70 % relative humidity for 28 days, which corresponds to the average hatching period for grasshopper eggs.</div><div>Microscopic, histopathological, and ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) analysis revealed profound structural disruptions in frass-treated eggs: the chorion (eggshell) exhibited thinning, fragmentation, and increased permeability, the vitelline membrane was disrupted, and marked degeneration of the micropylar apparatus, a structure essential for sperm entry and gas exchange, was observed. Embryos within treated eggs were amorphous or undeveloped, displaying sparse, abnormally distributed yolk and deteriorated cytoplasmic structures.</div><div>The frass solution treatment significantly reduced total protein (df = 1, F = 775.84, P < 0.001), carbohydrate (df = 1, F = 768, P < 0.001), and lipid contents (df = 1, F = 144.5, P < 0.001) in clover grasshopper eggs compared to controls. Over the four weeks, significant temporal changes were observed within both control and treated groups for protein (control: df = 3, F = 417.63, P < 0.001; treatment: df = 3, F = 722, P < 0.001), carbohydrate (control: df = 3, F = 1.86, P < 0.001; treatment: df = 1, F = 99.66, P < 0.001), and lipid contents (control: df = 3, F = 188, P < 0.001; treatment: df = 3, F = 44.75, P < 0.001), indicating that the biochemical composition changed significantly over time in both groups. In conclusion, this study contributes important knowledge on the use ","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100151"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100147
Manjula Nishantha Udagepolage Don , Singarayer Florentine , Chris Turville , Kithsiri Dassanayake
Almonds are universally recognised as a highly nutritious and economically valuable edible nut. However, the 2023/2024 global Almond production of 1.51 million metric tons generated a significant amount of waste, mainly in hulls, totalling about 5.03 million metric tons. Addressing the sustainable disposal of this waste is crucial to ensuring the industry's long-term viability. Whilst Almond hulls are a valuable source of crude protein and dietary fibre for livestock feed, when using them as feed for dairy and beef cows, it is essential to consider the possibility of carry-over pesticide residues resulting from chemical pathogen control during production. These residues have the potential to enter the food chain and appear in dairy and beef products. This study tests the hypothesis of using natural caffeine as a replacement for chemical pesticides, which could help to reduce the chemical residue levels in Almond hulls. There were three different concentrations of caffeine, 0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 % (w/v), used as foliar applications for three common Almond varieties. Caffeine treatments have been found to effectively control Almond fungal diseases like Hull Rot and Shot-Hole in commercial agriculture production, and they also show some effectiveness in reducing damage from insect pests. The treatments have been shown (i) to have a positive impact on increasing kernel weights and enhancing nut sets, not significantly affecting the plant's absorption of nutrients or the distribution of plant nutrients, and (iii) they have a neutral effect on leaf chlorophyll levels. These results indicate the potential of caffeine to address pesticide Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) issues and support its use in combination with suitably Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
{"title":"Evaluation of foliar application of caffeine in almond (Prunus dulcis) cultivation as an alternative to chemical pesticides: Minimizing chemical residue in almond hulls for sustainable use of almond by-products","authors":"Manjula Nishantha Udagepolage Don , Singarayer Florentine , Chris Turville , Kithsiri Dassanayake","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Almonds are universally recognised as a highly nutritious and economically valuable edible nut. However, the 2023/2024 global Almond production of 1.51 million metric tons generated a significant amount of waste, mainly in hulls, totalling about 5.03 million metric tons. Addressing the sustainable disposal of this waste is crucial to ensuring the industry's long-term viability. Whilst Almond hulls are a valuable source of crude protein and dietary fibre for livestock feed, when using them as feed for dairy and beef cows, it is essential to consider the possibility of carry-over pesticide residues resulting from chemical pathogen control during production. These residues have the potential to enter the food chain and appear in dairy and beef products. This study tests the hypothesis of using natural caffeine as a replacement for chemical pesticides, which could help to reduce the chemical residue levels in Almond hulls. There were three different concentrations of caffeine, 0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 % (w/v), used as foliar applications for three common Almond varieties. Caffeine treatments have been found to effectively control Almond fungal diseases like Hull Rot and Shot-Hole in commercial agriculture production, and they also show some effectiveness in reducing damage from insect pests. The treatments have been shown (i) to have a positive impact on increasing kernel weights and enhancing nut sets, not significantly affecting the plant's absorption of nutrients or the distribution of plant nutrients, and (iii) they have a neutral effect on leaf chlorophyll levels. These results indicate the potential of caffeine to address pesticide Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) issues and support its use in combination with suitably Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144831398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100148
Francisco Paiva Machado , Ruan Ingliton Corrêa Feio , Luiz A.P. Flores-Junior , Débora Nascimento Eiriz , Camilo H.S. Lima , Luiza R.S. Dias , Caio P. Fernandes , Leandro Rocha
Dengue remains a major health problem among the arboviruses transmitted by the Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). From December 2023 until November 2024, 14 million dengue cases were reported in 80 countries. The use of synthetic insecticides is the classical method to interrupt the transmission of arboviruses. However, the widespread use induced Ae. aegypti to develop biological resistance mechanisms. In addition, they are often toxic to the environment and humans. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the insecticidal properties of the Myrciaria floribunda essential oil as an eco-friendly nanoemulsion in third-instar larvae. The main constituents of the essential oil were 1,8-cineole (13.03 %), (E)-nerolidol (13.48 %), and β-selinene (12.13 %). The nanoemulsion showed a proper appearance with a bluish reflection. Its droplet size diameter was 88.34 ± 0.946 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.276 ± 0.014, and the zeta potential was −34.70 ± 1.311 mV. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion also showed stability after 15 days of preparation and when exposed to increasing temperatures. Concerning the larvicidal effect, the nanoemulsion exhibited LC50 values of 233.65 (199.9–272.5) µg/mL after 48 h of exposure. Molecular docking studies suggest that the sesquiterpenes (E)-nerolidol, β-selinene, and α-selinene may be associated with insecticidal activity due to their interactions with the enzyme AaAChE1. Therefore, this study described the Myrciaria floribunda essential oil nanoemulsion, obtained from green methods, as a practical vector control for Aedes aegypti larvae.
{"title":"Larvicidal effects of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg nanoemulsion against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)","authors":"Francisco Paiva Machado , Ruan Ingliton Corrêa Feio , Luiz A.P. Flores-Junior , Débora Nascimento Eiriz , Camilo H.S. Lima , Luiza R.S. Dias , Caio P. Fernandes , Leandro Rocha","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dengue remains a major health problem among the arboviruses transmitted by the <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (Diptera: Culicidae). From December 2023 until November 2024, 14 million dengue cases were reported in 80 countries. The use of synthetic insecticides is the classical method to interrupt the transmission of arboviruses. However, the widespread use induced <em>Ae. aegypti</em> to develop biological resistance mechanisms. In addition, they are often toxic to the environment and humans. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the insecticidal properties of the <em>Myrciaria floribunda</em> essential oil as an eco-friendly nanoemulsion in third-instar larvae. The main constituents of the essential oil were 1,8-cineole (13.03 %), (<em>E</em>)-nerolidol (13.48 %), and β-selinene (12.13 %). The nanoemulsion showed a proper appearance with a bluish reflection. Its droplet size diameter was 88.34 ± 0.946 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.276 ± 0.014, and the zeta potential was −34.70 ± 1.311 mV. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion also showed stability after 15 days of preparation and when exposed to increasing temperatures. Concerning the larvicidal effect, the nanoemulsion exhibited LC<sub>50</sub> values of 233.65 (199.9–272.5) µg/mL after 48 h of exposure. Molecular docking studies suggest that the sesquiterpenes (<em>E</em>)-nerolidol, β-selinene, and α-selinene may be associated with insecticidal activity due to their interactions with the enzyme <em>Aa</em>AChE1. Therefore, this study described the <em>Myrciaria floribunda</em> essential oil nanoemulsion, obtained from green methods, as a practical vector control for <em>Aedes aegypti</em> larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144841944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-07DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100149
Lalit Chowdhury , Sarada Prasad Mohapatra , Manoja Das
The groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus is a significant pest of stored groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L., family: Fabaceae, order: Fabales) grains. The pest negatively impacts peanut quality and market acceptance as they internally consume seeds. A study was carried out in the laboratory to determine whether the volatile oil found in the aerial portions of Paederia foetida L. is effective in controlling the groundnut pest Caryedon serratus. The morphological characters, molecular taxonomy, and systematic position of the plant were identified. The volatile oils present in the plant parts were extracted using Clevenger's apparatus and tested as a natural biopesticide against C. serratus. The active phytocompounds found in P. foetida volatile oil were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS). Two concentrations of the volatile oil, such as 50 % and 100 %, were applied for 96 h to different stages of C. serratus in the laboratory condition. Both concentrations significantly reduced the mortality rate of C. serratus eggs and adults. The maximum percentages of reduced hatching of eggs and death of larvae of the insects were 95.6 ± 0.07 % and 92.0 ± 0.10 %, respectively. The application of volatile oil resulted in an imbalance in the sex ratio of the insect, and the value was 0.30. The percentage of adult mortality of C. serratus was 91.0 ± 0.02 % after 4 days of the volatile oil treatment. Further, the oil also affected the fecundity of females developed from C. serratus eggs as well as the various developmental phases of insects. The investigation concludes that outcomes are limited to laboratory conditions only, and an extensive field validation is required before recommending large-scale application.
{"title":"Efficacy of Paederia foetida L. volatile oil as a green insecticide against groundnut seed beetles (Caryedon serratus)","authors":"Lalit Chowdhury , Sarada Prasad Mohapatra , Manoja Das","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The groundnut bruchid, <em>Caryedon serratus</em> is a significant pest of stored groundnut (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em> L., family: Fabaceae, order: Fabales) grains. The pest negatively impacts peanut quality and market acceptance as they internally consume seeds. A study was carried out in the laboratory to determine whether the volatile oil found in the aerial portions of <em>Paederia foetida</em> L. is effective in controlling the groundnut pest <em>Caryedon serratus</em>. The morphological characters, molecular taxonomy, and systematic position of the plant were identified. The volatile oils present in the plant parts were extracted using Clevenger's apparatus and tested as a natural biopesticide against <em>C. serratus</em>. The active phytocompounds found in <em>P. foetida</em> volatile oil were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS). Two concentrations of the volatile oil, such as 50 % and 100 %, were applied for 96 h to different stages of <em>C. serratus</em> in the laboratory condition. Both concentrations significantly reduced the mortality rate of <em>C. serratus</em> eggs and adults. The maximum percentages of reduced hatching of eggs and death of larvae of the insects were 95.6 ± 0.07 % and 92.0 ± 0.10 %, respectively. The application of volatile oil resulted in an imbalance in the sex ratio of the insect, and the value was 0.30. The percentage of adult mortality of <em>C. serratus</em> was 91.0 ± 0.02 % after 4 days of the volatile oil treatment. Further, the oil also affected the fecundity of females developed from <em>C. serratus</em> eggs as well as the various developmental phases of insects. The investigation concludes that outcomes are limited to laboratory conditions only, and an extensive field validation is required before recommending large-scale application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144831386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-19DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100145
Adriana Garcia , Julio Cesar Polonio , Andressa Domingos Polli , Caroline Menicoze dos Santos , Sandro Augusto Rhoden , Tiago Tognolli de Almeida , João Lúcio Azevedo , Halison Correia Golias , João Alencar Pamphile
Endophytic bacteria from the medicinal plant Sapindus saponaria were comprehensively characterized for their plant growth promotion potential, enzymatic activities, and biocontrol capabilities against phytopathogens. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 126 isolates, 58 strains belonging to 17 genera were identified, with Staphylococcus (25.8 %), Acinetobacter (13.7 %), Enterococcus (12.0 %), and Bacillus (10.3 %) as the most abundant. Phosphate solubilization screening revealed that 16 of 39 tested strains (41 %) possessed this trait, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa SS93 showing exceptional activity (solubilization index = 7.07). Remarkably, 97.4 % of strains produced at least one hydrolytic enzyme, with high frequencies of proteases (79.5 %), lipases (61.5 %), and pectinases (46.2 %) production. The strain Paenibacillus sp. SS73 demonstrated particularly broad enzymatic capabilities, actively secreting seven different enzyme types. In biocontrol assays against six phytopathogens, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SS13, and P. aeruginosa SS93 showed outstanding antagonism, inhibiting Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani, and Colletotrichum sp. by 74–89 %. Notably, SS13 alone inhibited Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by 76.8 %. Inhibition occurred even without physical contact, suggesting antibiotic compound production. These results establish S. saponaria as a valuable source of multifunctional endophytes, with selected strains exhibiting phosphate solubilization, diverse enzymatic activities with industrial potential, and significant biocontrol capacity against economically important plant pathogens. The combined traits of these endophytes make them promising candidates for developing sustainable agricultural inputs and biotechnological applications.
{"title":"Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindaceae) as a reservoir of plant-growth-promoting endophytes: Diversity, phosphate solubilization, enzymatic activity, and biocontrol potential","authors":"Adriana Garcia , Julio Cesar Polonio , Andressa Domingos Polli , Caroline Menicoze dos Santos , Sandro Augusto Rhoden , Tiago Tognolli de Almeida , João Lúcio Azevedo , Halison Correia Golias , João Alencar Pamphile","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endophytic bacteria from the medicinal plant <em>Sapindus saponaria</em> were comprehensively characterized for their plant growth promotion potential, enzymatic activities, and biocontrol capabilities against phytopathogens. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 126 isolates, 58 strains belonging to 17 genera were identified, with <em>Staphylococcus</em> (25.8 %), <em>Acinetobacter</em> (13.7 %), <em>Enterococcus</em> (12.0 %), and <em>Bacillus</em> (10.3 %) as the most abundant. Phosphate solubilization screening revealed that 16 of 39 tested strains (41 %) possessed this trait, with <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> SS93 showing exceptional activity (solubilization index = 7.07). Remarkably, 97.4 % of strains produced at least one hydrolytic enzyme, with high frequencies of proteases (79.5 %), lipases (61.5 %), and pectinases (46.2 %) production. The strain <em>Paenibacillus</em> sp. SS73 demonstrated particularly broad enzymatic capabilities, actively secreting seven different enzyme types. In biocontrol assays against six phytopathogens, <em>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</em> SS13, and <em>P. aeruginosa</em> SS93 showed outstanding antagonism, inhibiting <em>Alternaria alternata</em>, <em>Fusarium solani</em>, and <em>Colletotrichum</em> sp. by 74–89 %. Notably, SS13 alone inhibited <em>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</em> by 76.8 %. Inhibition occurred even without physical contact, suggesting antibiotic compound production. These results establish <em>S</em>. <em>saponaria</em> as a valuable source of multifunctional endophytes, with selected strains exhibiting phosphate solubilization, diverse enzymatic activities with industrial potential, and significant biocontrol capacity against economically important plant pathogens. The combined traits of these endophytes make them promising candidates for developing sustainable agricultural inputs and biotechnological applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study evaluates the insecticidal efficacy of heraclenin, a natural compound purified from bael (Aegle marmelos) fruits, against Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), a major agricultural pest. Bioassay results demonstrated that heraclenin induces substantial larval mortality, achieving 86.66 % mortality at 1000 mg/L after 72 h of exposure. In addition, heraclenin exhibited a dose-dependent antifeedant effect, with a 93.69 % reduction in feeding activity observed at the highest concentration tested. Sub-lethal doses significantly inhibited larval growth, resulting in reduced weight gain and extended developmental periods, signifying its growth-regulatory potential. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed stable binding interaction between heraclenin and the acetylcholinesterase enzyme of S. frugiperda, supporting its neurotoxic mode of action. Interestingly, in silico ADMET analysis indicated a favorable safety profile, suggesting minimal human toxicity risk. These findings provide strong evidence for developing heraclenin as a safe and environmentally sustainable biopesticide for effective crop protection, though further field evaluations are required.
{"title":"Heraclenin, a bioactive furanocoumarin from fruits of Aegle marmelos induces potent insecticidal effects on Spodoptera frugiperda","authors":"Haripriya Shanmugam , Ramkumar Haran , Selva Rani Suppu Ramu , Shanthi Mookiah , Saranya Nallusamy","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study evaluates the insecticidal efficacy of heraclenin, a natural compound purified from bael (<em>Aegle marmelos</em>) fruits, against <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> (fall armyworm), a major agricultural pest. Bioassay results demonstrated that heraclenin induces substantial larval mortality, achieving 86.66 % mortality at 1000 mg/L after 72 h of exposure. In addition, heraclenin exhibited a dose-dependent antifeedant effect, with a 93.69 % reduction in feeding activity observed at the highest concentration tested. Sub-lethal doses significantly inhibited larval growth, resulting in reduced weight gain and extended developmental periods, signifying its growth-regulatory potential. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed stable binding interaction between heraclenin and the acetylcholinesterase enzyme of <em>S. frugiperda</em>, supporting its neurotoxic mode of action. Interestingly, <em>in silico</em> ADMET analysis indicated a favorable safety profile, suggesting minimal human toxicity risk. These findings provide strong evidence for developing heraclenin as a safe and environmentally sustainable biopesticide for effective crop protection, though further field evaluations are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-07DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100143
Angel F. Huaman-Pilco , Luz Quispe-Sanchez , Aline C. Caetano , Laydy M. Mena-Chacon , Kelvin J. Llanos-Gómez , Eryka Gaslac-Zumaeta , Jherson Rojas-Vargas , Nicolas Olivares-Valqui , Manuel Oliva-Cruz
The endophytic fungus Neurospora sitophila has been identified as a promising natural source of antifungal compounds with potential application in sustainable crop protection. This study aimed to characterize N. sitophila through evaluation of its mycelial growth under varying temperatures and culture media, analysis of its secondary metabolites by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and assessment of its antagonistic potential against Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold. Growth assays revealed that PDA and MEA media supported optimal mycelial development at 5, 25, and 37 °C. GC-MS profiling indicated a predominance of volatile ethyl esters (86.97 %), including ethyl 4-octenoate (29.54 %), ethyl heptanoate (14.80 %), and ethyl butanoate (8.59 %), compounds typically associated with a fruity aroma. Dual-culture with B. cinerea significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of N. sitophila, with values 4.5 times higher than those observed in the pure culture. Similarly, the total phenolic content increased by 2.5 times. Additionally, depending on conditions, N. sitophila inhibited B. cinerea mycelial growth by 35.8 ± 6.8 % to 58.4 ± 6.2 %. These findings highlight the potential of N. sitophila as a biocontrol agent and a valuable source of bioactive metabolites for biotechnological and agricultural applications.
{"title":"Physicochemical properties of the endophytic fungus Neurospora sitophila and its interaction with Botrytis cinerea","authors":"Angel F. Huaman-Pilco , Luz Quispe-Sanchez , Aline C. Caetano , Laydy M. Mena-Chacon , Kelvin J. Llanos-Gómez , Eryka Gaslac-Zumaeta , Jherson Rojas-Vargas , Nicolas Olivares-Valqui , Manuel Oliva-Cruz","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The endophytic fungus <em>Neurospora sitophila</em> has been identified as a promising natural source of antifungal compounds with potential application in sustainable crop protection. This study aimed to characterize <em>N. sitophila</em> through evaluation of its mycelial growth under varying temperatures and culture media, analysis of its secondary metabolites by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and assessment of its antagonistic potential against <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>, the causal agent of gray mold. Growth assays revealed that PDA and MEA media supported optimal mycelial development at 5, 25, and 37 °C. GC-MS profiling indicated a predominance of volatile ethyl esters (86.97 %), including ethyl 4-octenoate (29.54 %), ethyl heptanoate (14.80 %), and ethyl butanoate (8.59 %), compounds typically associated with a fruity aroma. Dual-culture with <em>B. cinerea</em> significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of <em>N. sitophila</em>, with values 4.5 times higher than those observed in the pure culture. Similarly, the total phenolic content increased by 2.5 times. Additionally, depending on conditions<em>, N. sitophila</em> inhibited <em>B. cinerea</em> mycelial growth by 35.8 ± 6.8 % to 58.4 ± 6.2 %. These findings highlight the potential of <em>N. sitophila</em> as a biocontrol agent and a valuable source of bioactive metabolites for biotechnological and agricultural applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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